Being a Book of Days... with Astronomy, Weather Lore, Recipes, Customs, Reasons to Celebrate, and Views from the Breakdown Lane

21 January 2011

21 January - Saint Agnes

Feast of Saint Agnes of Rome, a young girl (age 12-13) who was executed for her faith. As one of the most popular of saints - you can find her in almost any depiction of a gathering of virgin saints - her story has been added to through the centuries. The Catholic Encyclopedia gives the basics here, and the Golden Legend expands on her story.

Customs for this day in Lithuania and Italy are described on Catholic Culture.
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The young saint is usually portrayed with a lamb, a pun on her name (Latin, agnus). If you have a cookie cutter, cake mold, or jello mold in the shape of a lamb (usually saved for Easter desserts), use it today.